If your holiday shopping list includes an energy-efficient dishwasher, refrigerator or other appliance, you're almost out of time to get a state rebate.

The California Energy Commission said this week that it is cutting off rebates under its Cash for Appliances program to applications postmarked Dec. 6 or before.

"We expect Black Friday to be a very good opportunity for people to go out and save some money," said spokesman Adam Gottlieb.

Rebates for water heaters and central air conditioners end Dec. 31.

After fielding more than 160,000 applications, there's about $4.5 million left of the $31 million set aside to goose the economy and spur energy efficiency.

"The program's been very successful," he said.

The rebates are in addition to other rebates offered by the utility, local water districts and different state program designed to foster recycling.

Some customers have complained that they haven't gotten their rebates despite waiting for weeks.

Gottlieb said customers who have not completely filled out the form have had trouble.

"In some cases, they may have misplaced, or failed to include, a part of the rebate form," he said.

Here are some tips from the commission on getting a rebate:

Read the Steps. Read the steps on rebate application and include all of the required supporting documentation.

Fill out form completely and correctly. Do not leave any items blank on the application. Check the appropriate boxes and sign the application. For HVAC and Water Heaters a California licensed contractor will assist the consumer with the application.

Be consistent. Make sure that the applicant’s first and last name matches the name on the certificate of recycling and the name on the utility bill. Only one first and last name is required on the application. The Certificate of Recycling and Utility Bill are only required for Clothes Washers, Refrigerators, Room Air Conditioners, Freezers, and Dishwashers. HVAC and Water Heater applications must list the Certified Appliance Recyclers (CAR) name and CAR number.

Recycle. Consumers must recycle their old appliance to receive a rebate. The Certificate of Recycling document must be included with the application. If a consumer is participating in their utility rebate program, the utility will provide the consumer with the required Cash for Appliances Certificate of Recycling. Consumers can also obtain the Certificate of Recycling from a platinum retailer, participating city of county governments haul away program, or a Certified Appliance Recycler. For information on how to properly recycle an old appliance, visit: www.cash4appliances.org/consumers/recycle.html